[3][4] The 128th-best ranked tackle nationally,[5] Gaines chose to commit to UCLA over offers from Northern Illinois, California, Iowa and Purdue.
[6][7] He helped block for 1,000-yard rusher Joshua Kelley that season and contributed to the team's streak of five consecutive 200-yard rushing games, the first time they had accomplished this in over 40 years.
[7] Gaines became a full-time starter in 2021, and started games at each of the three line positions (tackle, guard, center).
[2][6] He played a major role in Zach Charbonnet's 1000-yard season that year, as well as the school's leading of the Pac-12 Conference in rushing yards-per-game.
[6] A starter in every game, Gaines also appeared on all 932 snaps at right guard, and was a member of a line that was a semifinalist for the Joe Moore Award.